Piper Aztec - Purchase Advice

Landings is where Aztecs really shine. I see no problem having to maneuver
on final, they are very stable airplanes and are able to fly particularly
slow for a twin. The length of your strip could be an issue. The balanced
field length for ours is 2200 feet at sea level on an asphalt runway. Grass
and a higher density altitude will increase that dramatically, loose an
engine at rotation speed and you won't get it stopped. If you plan on
flying in and out of grass strips, have your gear struts pumped up. On our
plane, the normal prop clearance is only 8 inches, we've got the struts
pumped up so it's much more comfortable.

The prop question on this vintage of Aztec is always a problem. You have to
weigh the repetitive expense vs. the time period you expect to own the
airplane. This was something that we specifically avoided when shopping for
ours, we simply didn't want the expense and hassle. Non AD replacement
props are outrageously priced.

Other items previously mentioned in other threads a
Generators/Alternators dual or single
Hydraulic pump electric backup?
Hydraulic power pack age/condition
Autopilot, if this age Aztec has an original Mitchell or Century, nobody
will touch it for repairs
Heater, AD's, inspections, nozzle, igniter, combustion and ventilation motor
brushes
All "smooth" hydraulic lines need to be replaced with braided or "rough
surface" lines
Fuel bladders

If you need one, there's a spinner back plate on Ebay right now for an early
Aztec.

Good luck,
Jim